Easy Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs – a beloved family recipe that has been passed down through generations. Imagine delicate pastry shells filled with a heavenly cloud of creamy custard, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect finishing touch. These delectable treats evoke memories of childhood and cozy gatherings, making them the ultimate comfort dessert. Whether you’re honoring a family tradition or creating new memories with loved ones, these cream puffs are sure to bring joy and delight to every bite.
Resume of the recipe: Discover the magic of homemade pastry with our Easy Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs recipe. These delightful treats are a testament to the timeless appeal of simple ingredients and classic techniques. With just a few pantry staples and easy-to-follow instructions, you can recreate the nostalgic charm of Mom’s kitchen right in your own home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the world of pastry, these cream puffs are sure to impress with their light, airy texture and rich, creamy filling. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to embark on a delicious journey down memory lane!
Exciting Story: In the heart of our cozy kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked treats fills the air and laughter dances on the breeze, there’s a sense of warmth and comfort that can only come from sharing homemade desserts with loved ones. It’s in this cherished space that I first learned the art of making Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs – a recipe that has been handed down through the generations, each batch as delicious and comforting as the last. As I carefully piped the delicate pastry shells and filled them with creamy custard, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that these sweet treats would soon be enjoyed by family and friends alike, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Why This Recipe Rocks:
- Family Tradition: Our Easy Cream Puffs recipe is a beloved family tradition, passed down through generations and cherished by all who taste its deliciousness.
- Simple Yet Spectacular: With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with a variety of toppings and fillings, these cream puffs are endlessly customizable to suit your taste preferences and creative whims.
What i need to make Easy Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
For the Cream Puffs:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How to Make Easy Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs:
- Prepare Pastry Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat until butter is melted and mixture comes to a boil. Stir in flour until dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Add Eggs: Remove saucepan from heat and let cool slightly. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, until smooth and glossy.
- Pipe Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 1-inch mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each puff.
- Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Custard Filling: In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly, then return mixture to saucepan.
- Cook Custard: Cook custard over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Fill Pastry Shells: Once cream puffs are cooled, use a sharp knife to slice off the tops. Fill each puff with custard filling using a spoon or piping bag.
- Garnish: Replace tops of cream puffs and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips For Easy Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs:
- Ensure that the water and butter mixture comes to a full boil before adding the flour to ensure proper dough formation.
- Use a piping bag to pipe the pastry dough onto the baking sheet for uniform cream puffs.
- Be sure to cook the custard filling until thickened to ensure it holds its shape when piped into the pastry shells.
Substitutions and Variations For Easy Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs:
- Experiment with different flavorings for the custard filling, such as chocolate, coffee, or citrus zest.
- For a lighter filling, substitute whipped cream or pastry cream for the custard filling.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce over the filled cream puffs for an extra touch of decadence.
Make a Healthier Version For Easy Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs:
- Use low-fat milk or almond milk in place of whole milk for the custard filling.
- Substitute coconut sugar or stevia for the granulated sugar in the custard filling.
- Bake the pastry shells until lightly golden for a lighter, crispier texture.
Closing: Savor the taste of sweet nostalgia with our Easy Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs – a treasured family recipe that’s sure to bring joy and comfort to every bite. Whether enjoyed as a special treat for dessert or shared with loved ones during cozy gatherings, these delightful cream puffs are a delicious reminder of the simple pleasures in life. So, gather your loved ones and indulge in the magic of homemade pastry with this timeless recipe that’s been loved for generations!
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs:
Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature before piping onto the baking sheet.
Can I freeze leftover cream puffs?
Absolutely! Once filled, cream puffs can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Can I use a different type of filling?
Of course! While custard filling is traditional for cream puffs, you can fill them with whipped cream, fruit preserves, or even ice cream for a fun twist.
Can I use a gluten-free flour blend for the pastry dough?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe. Just be sure to check the consistency of the dough and adjust as needed.
Can I make mini cream puffs instead of regular-sized ones?
Absolutely! Simply use a smaller piping tip to pipe smaller mounds of dough onto the baking sheet for adorable mini cream puffs. Adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they are baked through.
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
Course: All Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
- For the Cream Puffs:
cup water
/2 cup unsalted butter
cup all-purpose flour
large eggs
- For the Cream Filling:
cups heavy cream
/2 cup powdered sugar
teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):
/2 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
/2 cup heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Choux Pastry:
- In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Stir in flour, continuously mixing until a smooth dough forms. Remove from heat.
- Add Eggs:
- Let the dough cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
- Pipe and Bake:
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool Puffs:
- Allow the cream puffs to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Cream Filling:
- Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fill a piping bag with the cream.
- Fill the Puffs:
- Once the cream puffs are completely cooled, cut the tops off and pipe the cream into the hollow centers.
- Optional Chocolate Ganache:
- For an extra touch, melt the chocolate and mix it with hot cream to create a ganache. Drizzle or dip the cream puffs in the ganache.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the cream puffs on a serving platter and savor each heavenly bite. Share the joy of Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs with loved ones!